This is Just a Drill: Gunfire at Indian Point

Security officers will be participating in scheduled training drills and weapon testing at the Indian Point Energy Center beginning Tuesday and occurring on several weekdays over the next three weeks, Entergy officials said.

If you hear the sound of gunfire, it would be from simulated weaponry used during the drills and testing.

The drills will culminate with Nuclear Regulatory Commission-evaluated security exercises during the week of Aug. 31, where the plant’s security capabilities will be tested.

Local law enforcement agencies have been informed of the events.

Security officers will be using Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems, or MILES, gear during the drill, Entergy officials said. These systems involve special laser weaponry which duplicates the effects, including the sound, of live ammunition. MILES gear is used for military and counter-terrorism training across the country.

Indian Point Energy Center, in Buchanan, New York, is home to two operating nuclear power plants, unit 2 and unit 3, which generate approximately 2,000 megawatts of electricity and supply about 25 percent of power used annually by homes, business and public facilities in New York City and Westchester County.